ON ESTIMATING
Quick, back-of-the-envelope estimates are good enough!
E.g., you might guess it takes 10 full-time staff to implement and administer the efforts listed in this survey. If you assume your local government spends an average of $200,000 for each full-time staff member, including benefits, that would be $2 million. And you might guess that other expenses – contractors, resources, oversight – add 50%, yielding a final estimate of $3 million.
You don't have to provide verified figures. Just use your best judgment to provide quick, thoughtful estimates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What about environmental efforts that aren't listed in this survey? Should I include them in my estimates?
A: NO. Your estimates should only reflect the environmental efforts listed in this survey.
Q: What if the government I work for received a grant, but hasn’t spent it yet? Should I include it in my revenue estimate?
A: Yes - as long as it's received because of – or for the purpose of – one of the environmental efforts in this survey, and within the last fiscal year.
Q: What if the government I work for saved money from an activity we completed years before – like a switch to LED lighting? Or spent money on something that hasn't saved us any money yet, but will in the long term?
A: Your estimates should be limited to the last fiscal year. Anything beyond that shouldn't be included.
Q: What if the government I work for received AND spent a grant within the last fiscal year?
A: Include the amount received in your revenue estimate, and the amount spent in your expenditure estimate. |